Written By: Melanie Gilbert
Sometimes it’s easy to feel like there is more bad news than good, but it’s important to remember that optimism, unity, and hope are alive and well in America, brought to life by people who spread kindness and give back in their communities. With that in mind, we’ve partnered with consumer data provider MRI-Simmons to find five of the most uplifting small to mid-size cities in each region of the United States in commemoration of UP Entertainment’s 20th Anniversary. These are communities where generosity, optimism, friendliness, volunteerism, and spirituality were valued by the greatest percentage of the population.
From bustling metropolises to quaint towns, the United States is home to a diverse array of locations where uplifting people live. Read on to learn more about the people living in these cities and how they stand out for their commitment to cultivate kindness, inspire others, and remind us of the best in humanity. Is your town on the list?
TOP 20 MOST UPLIFTING CITIES**:
SOUTH
- Greenwood, MS
- Monroe, LA
- Meridian, MS
- Macon, GA
- Albany, GA
NORTHEAST
- Buffalo, NY
- Erie, PA
- Presque Isle, ME
- Providence, RI
- Hartford, CT
MIDWEST
- Joplin, MO
- St. Louis, MO
- Cape Girardeau, MO
- Topeka, KS
- Flint, MI
WEST
- Albuquerque, NM
- Eureka, CA
- Great Falls, MT
- Yuma, AZ
- Chico, CA
A community spreading kindness by volunteering.
UPLIFTING ACROSS AMERICA
Macon, Georgia
Naiem Moore, a 16-year-old high school student from Macon, Georgia, has overcome immense personal challenges in his young life, including homelessness, food insecurity, and the loss of a friend to gun violence. Despite these hardships, he has dedicated himself to serving his community. His commitment to helping others stems from a deep desire to make a positive impact and create a safer environment for his neighbors. Moore teamed up with other youth in the Safe by Design project, a program that works to install free safety features such as doorbell cameras, door peepholes, flood lights and more for vulnerable senior citizens in Macon. By demonstrating his leadership, resilience, and unwavering belief in the power of community, his actions serve as an inspiration to his neighbors and also earned him United Way’s 2024 Youth Leadership Award.
Learn more about Naiem and the Safe by Design project
Flint, Michigan
If teaching three subjects and serving in other school roles at Flint’s Kearsley High School wasn’t enough, teacher Michael Whalen started a company called Do Good Things with Friends, a unique online shop selling creative products designed to help people spread random acts of kindness. Items such as a pass-it-forward challenge deck of cards, inspirational stickers, and a good deeds journal/scrapbook encourage simple ways to put kindness into action. The company also empowers goodness by allocating 10% of all profits to their mini-grant program which funds proposed charitable acts – be it creating care packages, donating toys, or hosting a community event.
Visit the Do Good Things with Friends shop
Providence, Rhode Island
When a group of students at Providence College discovered their beloved security guard, James Mogaji, hadn’t seen his Nigerian family in over a decade, they rallied together to raise funds for his reunion. Brandon Reichert, a freshman student from the college, created a GoFundMe page which raised nearly $3,000 within the first 24 hours, and over $30,000 altogether. The students at Providence College exemplified the power of community and compassion. Their generosity and kindness not only helped James reunite with his loved ones, but also showcased the positive impact a united community can have on individuals’ lives.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Originating during the pandemic, the Headphone Dance Party was brought to life by Albuquerque resident Brandon Kennedy. Kennedy wanted to host small, private gatherings in his driveway as a way to preserve connection and social ties during a time of isolation. Challenged by the idea of providing music while avoiding disturbing his neighbors, he purchased headphones for his guests, creating a shared music experience that was at once joyful, communal and respectful. Spurred by the positive response to these private gatherings, Kennedy has expanded the concept into a public event. He partnered with a local DJ to begin hosting Headphone Dance Parties in various outdoor public spaces throughout Albuquerque, creating a space where people can dance freely, express themselves, and feel a sense of belonging. The event’s unique format has proven to be a powerful tool for community building: participants help with the operation of the gatherings, their donations pay for the event equipment and the DJs that spin, and to top it off they have also raised over $25,000 for area nonprofits.
Learn more at the Headphone Dance Party Facebook Page
INSPIRING CITIES, INSPIRING LIVES
Whether it’s the urban atmosphere in a city like St. Louis, or a peaceful small-town setting like
Greenwood, Mississippi, these 20 cities offer a glimpse into the heart of America’s uplifting spirit. Each one has a unique story to tell and sets an example for a sense of community we can all aspire to.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Show us how your community uplifts others! Tag us @up_tv and join the conversation by adding #UPliftSomeone to your posts.
October 30th is National Uplift Someone Day: Spread Joy & Uplift Others
On October 30, 2024 we are celebrating National UPlift Someone Day in honor of UP Entertainment’s 20 year pursuit of delivering family-friendly, feel-good movies and shows. Visit upliftsomeone.com to enter our sweepstakes, enjoy special content and more.
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Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter and two cats.
**Methodology: 2023 Fall Local Flex MRI-Simmons
Ranked by higher percentage of residents by DMA (Top 20 DMAs by size were excluded) that Any Agree: I consider myself a spiritual person AND Any Agree: I often volunteer my time for a good cause AND Completely Agree: GENEROUS-giving, unselfish AND Any Agree: I am an optimist AND Any Agree: SOCIABLE-friendly, likable.
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